Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting 14-year-old Dance Student

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - A 62-year-old man was charged last week with sexually assaulting one of his 14-year-old dance students.

Marcelino Hivento was charged with third-degree sexual abuse. He is accused of abusing the teenaged girl May 1, through Oct. 31, 2012 in his home at 421 15th St. SE. The girl, now 15, told police Hivento forced several sexual acts upon her, according to a criminal complaint.

Hivento admitted to the sexual abuse when investigators questioned him, according to a criminal complaint.

Cedar Rapids Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said during the investigation, officers discovered Hivento teaches dance lessons out of his home. Investigators didn't have any information if he was teaching dance as a business. No other alleged victims have come forward but police don't rule out the possibility.

Hivento, who is originally from Bolivia, told The Gazette in previous interviews he wanted to develop a Latino dance troupe for children and wanted to build a Latin cultural center.

According to Guide Star, which gathers information about IRS registered non-profits, Hivento established a non-profit organization, Latin American Museum and Cultural Center, in 2003. The center's address is Hivento's home address. There's no annual revenue and expenses listed and there is little detail on the organization.

In 2005, Hivento told a Gazette reporter the cultural center operated out of eight Latino residences throughout the city. He said each of the host homes offer classes, performances, group session and a place to meet. He said there were 150 active members.